Category Archives: Religion

September 12, 2010

The Golden Rule

By Joe

1030[4]
The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim, an ethical code, or a morality, that essentially states any of the following (see examples below):

  1. One should treat others according to how one would like others to treat one’s self (positive, passive form)
  2. Treat others as you would like to be treated (positive, active form)
  3. One should not treat others in ways one would not like to be treated (prohibitive, passive form)
  4. Do not treat others in ways you would not like to be treated (prohibitive, active form. Also called the Silver Rule)

The Golden Rule has a long history, and a great number of prominent religious figures and philosophers have restated its reciprocal, bilateral nature in various ways (not limited to the above forms).
The Golden Rule is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, in which each individual has a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. A key element of the Golden Rule is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people with consideration, not just members of his or her in-group. The Golden Rule has its roots in a wide range of world cultures, and is a standard which different cultures use to resolve conflicts.
The Golden Rule, as a concept, has a history that long predates the term “Golden Rule” (or “Golden law,” as it was called from the 1670s). The ethic of reciprocity was present in certain forms in the philosophies of ancient Babylon, Egypt, India, Greece, Judea, and China. The “Golden Rule” however usually refers to the saying of Jesus of Nazareth: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12, see also Luke 6:31) The common English phrasing is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A similar form appeared in a Catholic catechism around 1567 (certainly in the reprint of 1583).
The ethic of reciprocity has been a part of culture and religious laws from what seems to be the beginning of time. It is present in the first law code: The Code of Hammurabi. Here are some examples of the ethic of reciprocity in various religions, societies, and philosophies:

Ancient Egypt

An early example of the Golden Rule that reflects the Ancient Egyptian concept of Maat appears in the story of The Eloquent Peasant which is dated to the Middle Kingdom (c. 2040–1650 BCE): “Now this is the command: Do to the doer to cause that he do.” An example from a Late Period (c. 1080 – 332 BCE) papyrus: “That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.”

Ancient Greek philosophy

The Golden Rule in its prohibitive form was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy. Examples of the general concept include:

  • “What you do not want to happen to you, do not do it yourself either. ” – Sextus the Pythagorean The oldest extant reference to Sextus is by Origin in the third century of the common era.[15]
  • “Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.” – Isocrates
  • “It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly (agreeing ‘neither to harm nor be harmed’), and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life.” – Epicurus
  • “One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him.” – Plato’s Socrates (Crito, 49c) (c. 469 BC–399 BCE)

Buddhism

Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.

One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.
—Dhammapada 10. Violence

Confucianism

Zi Gong asked, saying, “Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?” The Master said, “Is not RECIPROCITY such a word?
—Confucius, Analects XV.24 (tr. Chinese Text Project)

Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.
—Confucius, Analects XV.24 (tr. David Hinton)

Hinduism

One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma. Other behavior is due to selfish desires.
—Brihaspati, Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva, Section CXIII, Verse 8)

For those who set their hearts on me
And worship me with unfailing devotion and faith,
The way of love leads sure and swift to me.
Those who seek the transcendental Reality,
Unmanifested, without name or form,
Beyond the reach of feeling and of thought,
With their senses subdued and mind serene
And striving for the good of all beings,
They too will verily come unto me.
—[Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter XII.]

Islam

Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.
—Muhammad, The Farewell Sermon

Jeffrey Wattles holds that the golden rule appears in the following statements attributed to Muhammad:

“Woe to those . . . who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due”
—Qur’an (Surah 83, “The Unjust,” vv. 1–4)

The Qur’an commends:

“those who show their affection to such as came to them for refuge and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves”
—Qur’an (Surah 59, “Exile,” vv. 9)

Jainism
In Jainism, the golden rule is firmly embedded in its entire philosophy and can be seen in its clearest form in the doctrines of Ahimsa and Karma
Following quotation from the Acaranga Sutra sums up the philosophy of Jainism:

Nothing which breathes, which exists, which lives, or which has essence or potential of life, should be destroyed or ruled over, or subjugated, or harmed, or denied of its essence or potential.
In support of this Truth, I ask you a question – “Is sorrow or pain desirable to you ?” If you say “yes it is”, it would be a lie. If you say, “No, It is not” you will be expressing the truth. Just as sorrow or pain is not desirable to you, so it is to all which breathe, exist, live or have any essence of life. To you and all, it is undesirable, and painful, and repugnant.

Judaism
The concept of the Golden Rule originates most famously in a Torah verse (Hebrew: “ואהבת לרעיך כמוך”):

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
—Leviticus 19:18[45], the “Great Commandment”

Taoism

The sage has no interest of his own, but takes the interests of the people as his own. He is kind to the kind; he is also kind to the unkind: for Virtue is kind. He is faithful to the faithful; he is also faithful to the unfaithful: for Virtue is faithful.
—Tao Teh Ching, Chapter 49

Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
—T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien

The Golden Rule is how I live my life. It is an ancient law and religious belief. If all people would understand that this is the central tenement of major morals of the world, we would live in a world of peace, wisdom, and true virtue. I try to live my life as an example of this principle, sometimes I fail, but I work daily in order not to. So treat your fellow human as you would like to be treated. If we all did this, there would be no Manhunt ads stating “No fats, No Fems.” Accept your fellow man, whoever they may be. The central tenement of the Chinese philosophy of Legalism is that all mankind is evil and through strict laws, the government can rid people of that inherent evil. I actually believe the opposite: All of mankind is good, they just need to be given the chance to show that goodness. If one day, the world realizes this concept, there will be no homophobia, there will be no racism, there will be no sexism, there will be no war, there will be no discrimination or hate of any kind.
Over on my blog Cocks, Asses, and More there is a companion post to this one. It is also about the Golden Rule but describes it in a more personal way.
Thanks for reading.

4 Comments | posted in History, Inspiration, Miscellaneous, Religion, Resources, Theory

September 3, 2010

A Nudist Religion?

By Joe

image
Occasionally, the Professor learns something new. I had heard of Jains, and have even taught about them, but the other night, I learned something new about the Jains.
Jainism: Reverence for All Living Things
Jainism was founded by Nataputra Vardhamana, known as Mahavira, “Great Hero,” who became an ascetic, who promoted pacifism and vegetarianism.   His followers believe that all living things have an eternal spirit and must be treated with reverence. The central ideas of their faith is Ahisma—nonviolence to all living things, Moksha—liberation from the cycle of death and reincarnation, and The Three Jewels—right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.  There are five basic ethical principles (vows) prescribed. The degree to which these principles must be practiced is different for renunciant and householder. Thus:

1. Non-violence (Ahimsa) – to cause no harm to living beings.
2. Truth (Satya) – to always speak the truth in a harmless manner.
3. Non-stealing (Asteya) – to not take anything that is not willingly given.
4. Celibacy (Brahmacarya) – to not indulge in sensual pleasures.
5. Non-possession (Aparigraha) – to detach from people, places, and material things.

Jains mostly became scholars and merchants, but farmers, who periodically had to kill plants and animals, could not fully commit to Jainism, though some followed its tenements.  Jains are known to walk with a broom before them, sweeping away all living things, so as not to harm them.
image

Jain saints

Among Jains , there are two main sects- Shwethambara and Digambara. Shwethabars worship idols in pre-sainthood form while digambars worship god in the sainthood form.Nude saints are found in digambar jains community only.

 

Symbol of Great Sacrifice

Sainthood itself, according to principles, is a symbol of sacrifice. Jaina saints follow strict principles.In digambar community, saints are of three categories.

image 1. KSHULLAKA
2.AILLAKA, and
3. NIRGRANTHA

Kshullakas wear a saffron dhothi and a saffron cloth is put across their bust. Aillaks wear only a piece in the waist just cover their penis, and nirgranthas are fully nude. This is always followed irrespective of seasonal changes. Female saints (nuns) are allowed only for the first stage and they are called Aryikas. Other two stages are not allowed for them.
Principles followed by jaina nude saints are the following:

image 1. They will not take a bath or brush their teeth. They only wash their hands and feet and face after going for excretion. They just rub their teeth with their finger after eating food. But they are not permitted to use brush and bathe , as we do. The reason is that, by that action, microbes and other small organisms on our body may die. And , a nirgrantha is to see that no creature dies by his behavior.
2. They take food only once a day. imageThat too is a strict practice. They can not use dishes or dining table . They stand , stretch out their palms, and somebody puts food into their open palms. They test by perusing cleanly and, after confirming that no germ, nor any other dust is there in it, they eat it. If any such thing is found, they leave it there  and no food will be taken by them till next day.
3. If they hear any cry of an animal or of a person in distress etc., while taking food , they give up their food.
4. The food they take is simple and tasteless. They take rice, chapa made of wheat, some curry image(without salt), coconut water. The food is just to get minimum strength required to maintain life activities.
5. They often take ‘hunger vow’-i.e., no food for the day. Sometimes, this hunger vow continues for up to eight days. The great nude saint of twentieth century, Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj, had a total period of twenty-six years of hunger in his life span of seventy years.
6. They should not use vehicles for movement. They have to travel by walking only. And they walk faster than us! As they are not supposed to use vehicles, they cannot be seen in foreign countries. They are seen only in India.
image7. They do not use beds, sleeping bags, or bed sheets and rugs. They sleep on wooden planks or wooden cots, just with a mat on  it. In sleep also they do not change their side, with the idea that some germ moving there might be get killed.
8. They do not speak at night.
9. They are not expected to involve themselves in any worldly matters.
image10. Needless to say- they keep away from sex, not only physically, but also mentally.
11. They keep only the following items with them -a pincha (a  bundle of naturally fallen peacock feathers to brush away the dust while sitting), a kamandala (a wooden vessel to clean themselves after going for excretion), and shastras (religious books). They do not keep money or any valuable things.
image12. They are not supposed to get angry- even to someone who who is angry with them.
13. They don’t even drink water after their regular food, i.e. once a day.
14. They remove their hairs on their face and head only with their hands/ They wont use tools for that.

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4 Comments | posted in History, Nudity, Religion, Travel

July 21, 2010

The Closet Professor Theorizes: Origins of Homophobia

By Joe

Most people when they think of the origins of homophobia, they automatically point to religion.  I agree that religion has spread homophobia, but I think the true origins of homophobia come from empire building.  Why do I believe this? 
First, think about what all of our mothers worry about first when the find out we are gay.  It is generally very common that their first thought is that we cannot give them grandchildren.
Second, what is the most important thing to build an empire? If you said soldiers, then you are right. Without a large and largely expendable army, you cannot go out and conquer new territories.  How do you build a large and expendable army?  By having a large population. 
Strictly homosexual men are a danger to the population because they are not contributing to population growth. If they are not producing offspring, then they are not adding new soldiers to the population. I will give you several examples of what I am talking about.
knightsgroup 1) The Roman Empire—The Roman Empire not only did not accept homosexuality, but they also shunned pederasty.  The Roman Empire needed soldiers to conquer the world, therefore, gay men would not be producing children.  On the other hand, Greece which was composed of numerous city-states.  Though the Athenians had an empire, it was a relatively small and short-lived empire.  Ancient Greeks believed that homosexual male love was the ideal form of love because it was a love between to equals, whereas love between a man and a woman would always result in an unequal partnership, because they saw women as inferior.  The Greeks also practiced pederasty, a mentorship between an older man and a younger man.  For the Greeks homosexuality was acceptable because men were also expected to marry women and produce children.  Even Alexander the Great had wives and at the same time had male lovers, particularly Hephaestion and possibly Bagoas.
2)  Medieval Europe—During the empire and nation building phase of Medieval European history, Christianity became the state religions of the empires of Europe.  They allied with Christianity because the Church could give a king or emperor legitimacy.  Also, Christianity in itself spread like an empire, thus the more children Christians had, the more people in the religion.  Therefore, homosexuality was condemned.  During the Middle Ages, homosexuals were rounded up, and instead of being burned at the stake, they were bundled with the wood for the fires for the stake and set on fire.  By the way, a bundle of sticks is called a faggot, one of the possible origins for the word faggot mm_wilfriedknight1being a derogatory term for a homosexual man.   But, if we look at the Celtic groups of pre-Medieval Europe, we would probably see homosexuality as being more accepting.  Little is known about the Celts and their religion, except what the Roman wrote about them which is probably mostly inaccurate.  We do know that the Vikings, had words for homosexuality and that they found it to be accepting.  The Vikings are similar in their beliefs and religion to that of the Celts and therefore it is logical to conclude that most Celts were accepting of homosexuality.
AZTEC WARRIOR 3)  The Aztec Empire—In the Americas, the Aztecs were not accepting of gay relationships.  In fact, the penalty was often death.  Again, they needed soldiers to conquer and subdue the nations surrounding them. In the Aztec Empire, only three groups of people went to Paradise in the afterlife: women who died in childbirth, warriors who died in battle,  and those humans who were sacrificed. However, if we look at other groups in the Americas, those who did not build empires, especially those of North America, we see the acceptance native-american-ii-dan-nelsonof those who were homosexual. If a man’s or woman’s sexual identity was different from that of the heterosexual, they were allowed to take on that role and often performed special duties.  With the conquest of Native Americans by British North America and later the United States and Canada, they were forced to assimilate with European values.  One of those values was the rejection of homosexuality. By this point in history, the reason most often given was that it was against God’s natural order.
Homo erotic Nazi propaganda posters World War 2 4) Nazi Germany—Nazi Germany was extremely homophobic and often rounded up homosexuals and sent them to concentration camps or death camps, where they were either worked to death, gassed, or lobotomized.  Women who had the most children in Nazi Germany were given medals of valor for their service to their country.  Homosexuals were not producing children and therefore were not contributing to the Third Reich.  If we take a look at Germany before Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power, we would see the very accepting Weimar Republic.  Really_gay_propaganda Berlin from 1919 to 1933 was one of the most accepting places for homosexuals in the world.  Weimar culture was free, open, and experimental, something that the highly conservative, right-wing National Socialist (Nazis) hated.  The Weimar Republic was content to rebuild Germany after World War I, but the Nazi wanted revenge for their losses in World War I.  Hitler wanted to conquer Europe, bring about the Third Reich, and destroy all Jews, homosexuals, Slavic people, gypsies, etc.
If you know much about history, you know that nearly at least two out of four of these homophobic empires that I used as examples had exceptions to these rules.  The Roman Empire had several homosexuals as emperors: Hadrian, Commodus, Caligula, and Tiberius.  The Nazis also had several homosexuals who were at the top of the Nazi organization.  Rumors have always existed that Hitler may have been homosexual and we know for sure that he was part Jewish. The Sturmabteilung (SA) was a Nazi organization that was composed of several homosexuals.  The SA was eventually purged from the Nazi Party because some of its members were more or less open homosexuals, such as Ernst Röhm, the co-founder of the SA, and other SA leaders such as his deputy Edmund Heines. In 1931, the Münchener Post, a Social Democratic newspaper, obtained and published Röhm’s letters to a friend in which Röhm discussed his sexual affairs with men.
I will admit that this is not a perfect theory, but I hope it gives my readers something to think about and discuss in the comments.  I plan to make “The Closet Professor Theorizes” a regular part of this blog.  I hope you enjoy and will discuss these theories in the comment section.

4 Comments | posted in Art, History, Nudity, Religion, Theory